Noel Whittaker's Blog
By Noel Whittaker
Rates have been lowered again. It’s a wakeup call to think about rates in general and the bond market in particular. Bear in mind I am talking about government bonds, not investment bonds which are tax paid investments just like your superannuation. The thing about bonds is that their market value increases as interest rates …
Recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) state that only 56% of people aged 55–64 are mortgage-free, and there are fears that more and more Australians will find their retirement plans seriously challenged as they try to survive on a reduced income, with mortgage payments to boot. The problem can be solved by …
All pensioners, whether they receive a full or part pension, will receive one if not two pension bonuses this month. They will receive more on a fortnightly basis as a result of the recent indexation of the pension rates and thresholds. The maximum single age pension has increased by $7.20/fortnight to $933.40 and for couples …
Estate planning is a critical issue as the population ages, but many people still don’t understand the consequences of not getting it right. Just recently a reader asked for advice about his family situation. His mother-in-law has instructed that the family home be sold when she dies, and the proceeds split equally among the family …
Interest rates are dropping, with indications that the trend is still downwards. This has meant that many investors are looking for ways to get their portfolios back on track. Index funds are often talked about, but I often hear comments like “aren’t they risky – what will happen the next time the market falls?” There …